Apparatus for removing ties from packages



- Jan. 21, 1958 c. SCHNEIDER, JR

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING TIES FROM PACKAGES Filed Aug. 6, 1954 6Sheets-Sheet l I N V EN TOR. t'bMu/vo CJcu/vE/omJk. BY

ATTORNEY:

Jan. 21, 1958 v E. c. SCHNEIDER, JR 2,820,282

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING 'rms FROM PACKAGES Filed Aug. '6, i954 6Sheets-Sheet 2 lfl M x r r 1 n INVENTOR. foMwvo CJc/lzvewmk BY ATTaR/VEYs Jan. 21, 1958 E. c. SCHNEIDER, JR 2,820,282

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING TIES FROM PACKAGES Filed Aug. 6, 1954 sSheefs-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. Eomwvo CZSg'fl/VE/DER, J'R.

ATmR/VEYJ Jan. 21, 1-958 c. SCHNEIDER, JR 2,820,282

, APPARATUS FOR REMOVING TIES FROM PACKAGES Filed Aug. 6, i954 eSheets-Sheet 4 ZW W ATTORNEYJ Jan. 21, 1958 E. c. SCHNEIDER, JR

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING ms FROM PACKAGES Filed Aug. 6, 1954 e SheetsSheet5 INVENTOR. EoMwwaJcmvE/omh.

235 I W W ATTaR VE vs Jan. 21, 1958 E. c. SCHNEIDER, JR 2,820,282

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING TIES FROM PACKAGES Fiied Aug. 6. 1954 eSheets-Sheet e CONVEYOR CUTTER FULLER ROSS CONVEPOR MOTOR MOTOR MOTORTOR I i /66 7a I I68 I I69 I MAsreR I I I 6 swmcu V v I u /7/ l65 5 wwma 2 21 "z F 122+ BELL /72 E2 I /73 I /As-- I I 4% I89 I v 3 /a/ B /94922 [3/ INVENTOR. Emu/No CCHNEIDER, JR.

United States Patent APPARATUS FOR REMQVING TIES FROM PACKAGES Edmund C.Schneider, In, Windom, Minn assign-or of one-fourth to Jack E. Tropp,Westport, Conn.

Application August 6, 1954, Serial No. 448,210

21 Claims. (Cl. 29-2tl(l) This invention concerns new and usefulimprovements in method and apparatus for removing ties fro-m packages.More particularly, it concerns new and useful improvements in method andapparatus for removing ties or bindings from large bundles of goods,such as large closely pressed packages of material, usually calledbales.

In the packaging of merchandise and particularly in the packaging ofagricultural fibers of various sorts, such a flax, cotton, hay, cork,shredded wood and the like, it is usual to aggregate the fibers intobundles or packages, usually rectangular, to provide modular units foreasy storage and transportation. This is accomplished by various typesof baling apparatus, usually serving to compress the material into arectangular shape and to provide cords, laces, bands, or ties, usuallyflexible, and in many instances of metal, for retaining the compressedmaterial in baled package form. The baled material is then shipped inthis convenient form and'when it is desired to use the material, theties are removed and the packaged material then freed, separated intoits individual components, and used as desired.

Thus, bales of hay are provided on the farm for convenient storage andshipment, as are bales offiax and other agricultural products.Furthermore, in industry, various raw, manufactured or semi-manufacturedproducts are baled, specific examples being rags, usually utilized inthe paper industry, reclaimed paper or other materials. As explainedbefore, it is conventional to compress these materials into the bale andsecure them in such compressed form by ties or binders.

The conventional formed bale provides a shape close to a squareparallelepiped; although in recent years, it has become common,particularly in the baling of hay to provide right cylindrical bales. Mymethod and apparatus, however is susceptible to use with various shapedbales.

In recent years, the quantity of. baled material used has increasedtremendously and in many factories or plants where large numbers ofbales provide the material worked upon,.it has become a problem toefficiently and inexpensively remove the bonds or ties from the baledmaterial. Removal of the ties is usually done by hand and may occupyithelabor of an entire crew of men, and is .a particular problem where theties are wire or metal straps as commonly used in confining material ofmany types.

it .is to this problem of removing the ties from such packaged materialthat my invention is directed. Broadly speaking, the invention comprisesnew and useful improvements in method and apparatus for severing a tie(or ties) confining a package and removing the tie so that the materialcomprised in the package may be separated or further manipulated.

it is therefore an object of my invention to provide new and usefulimprovements in method and apparatus which provides the ready, efiicientand inexpensive removal of ties frompackages.

ice

It is a further object of this invention toprovide a method ofremoving-ambit ties from packages in which the packages are progressedalong a conveyor, the tie is severed, and the tie is then removed byengagement ata point substantially opposite the position of severing,

A further object of this invention resides in the provision of a newapparatus for removing ties from bales in which the tie is automaticallysevered and then removed;

Still a further object of this invention resides in the provision of atie removing apparatusin which the pack age from which the tie isremoved is progressed along a conveyor, means is provided forautomatically severing the tie and means is provided for then removingthe tie from the package.

Still a further object of the present invention resides in the provisionof means for determining that'all. ties have been removed from a packageas it progresses through the tie removing apparatus.

A further object of this invention resides in the pro vision of a tieremoving apparatus having means whereby metallic ties are drawn awayfrom the package which they confine whereby they may be removed Withoutdanger to the peripheral surface of the package.

A further object of the invention resides in the provi. sion of meansfor progressively conveying a tied package, automatic means for severingthe ties on the package, removal means for engaging the severed ties andwithdrawing them. from the package as the package is progressed throughthe apparatus and second conveying means cooperating with the removalmeans for disposing of the removed ties.

Other and further objects of the invention reside in the structuraldetails of my conveyor, time delay initiation switch, tie severingstructure, tie removing structure, clearance lift means, height guidemeans, cross-conveyor and removal indication means.

Still other and further objects of this invention are inherent andapparent in the method and apparatus as described pictured and claimed.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, this inventionthen comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularlypointed out in the claims, the following description setting forth indetail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these beingindicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which theprinciples of the invention may be employed.

This invention will be described with reference to the drawings,illustrating an exemplary form of apparatus, in which correspondingnumerals refer to the same parts and in which:

Figure l is an elevational view of my package tie removing apparatus;showing a bale in position to be moved therethrough;

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but in vertical section andshowing the bale in a further state of progress through the machine;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the line and in the directionof the arrows 3- -3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line and in thedirection of the arrows 4-4 of Figure'Z;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the lineand in the direction of the arrows 55 of Figure 6; and showing detailsof my tie removal structure;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken. along the lineand in the direction of the arrows 66 of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary isometric view showing my tie removal shoe;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary partly elevational and partly sectional viewshowing details of my tie removal means;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary elevational view partially broken away takenalong the line and in the direction of the arrows 9-9 of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken along theline and in the direction of the arrows 10-10 of Figure 2, and showing abale just preparatory to engaging my removal indication means; and

Figure 11 is a wiring diagram showing an exemplary form of electricalcircuitry connections for my invention.

Throughout the specification and claims, my invention will be describedwith reference to removing ties from bales it being understood that theterm bales encompasses other tied packages and includes packages whetherof compressed material or not and whether having a peripheral coveringor not. Also, the term tie will be used, but this term contemplatesother flexible fastenings such as bands, cords, or laces whether ofmetal, twine, synthetic resin, etc.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Figures 1 and 2, theexemplary form of apparatus shown therein comprise-s essentially thefollowing structure: a conveyor generally designated 11 upon the upperrun of which the bales are progressed through my tie removing machine orapparatus generally designated 10; a tie severing mechanism generallydesignated 12; a tie removing mechanism generally designated 13; a crossconveyor generally designated 14; and a tie removal indicator meansgenerally designated 15.

The tie puller generally designated 10 is supported by any suitablemeans, in this instance four supporting wheels 18 which may or may notbe caster wheels and may have locks to immobilize them, if desired.

A supporting frame comprising a pair of channel side members 20, 21, isjoined and separated by a plurality of spacers 22 which also serve assupport means for supporting plate 27 which in turn supports the upperrun of belt 23 of conveyor 11. Belt 23 as shown best with reference toFigures 2 and 4, comprises a pair of endless belt members 23A and 23Bseparated by a gap 24 and positioned around pulleys 25 and 26 as shownin Figures 1 and 2. Of these, pulley 26 is an idler pulley supportedupon shaft 28 which is journalled for rotation in side members and 21.Pulley 26 may be a single pulley for both of belts 23A and 23B or atandem pulley as desired, as may pulley 25. Pulley is the drive pulleyand is supported upon shaft 29 likewise journalled for rotation in sidemembers 20 and 21 and provided at its extending end with a sprocket 30secured thereto and driven by chain 31 from sprocket 32 through areduction gearing 33 by motor 34. Motor 34 is mounted upon a supportingshelf 37 welded or otherwise secured to the bottom flange of framemember 21. As will be appreciated, a guard or other closure may beprovided for chain 31 and sprockets 30 and 32 if desired, as well as forthe other drives subsequently described.

At the leading end 11A of the conveyor with respect to Figures 1 and 2and provided on either or both of side members 20 and 21, is a pair ofposts 17 joined by a longitudinal bar 17A.

The tie severing mechanism generally designated 12 comprises a cuttingmember 35 in this instance a metal or abrasive disc which serves tosever the ties T-1 to T-S of the bale B as it is passed thereover. Thedisc 35 is secured to shaft 36 for rotation therewith, the ends of shaft36 being journalled in side members 20 and 21. To one extending end ofshaft 26 is afiixed a sprocket 38 driven by chain 39 from sprocket 40secured to the shaft of motor 41. Motor 41, like motor 34, is alsosecured to a. shelf 43 secured to and extending from the bottom flangeof member 21.

As is best appreciated by reference to Figures 1, 2 and 4, the disc 35is positioned in the gap 24 between belts 23A and 23B, and protrudesthrough a suitable aperture in plate 27.

A starter switch 42 is likewise positioned within the gap 24 between thebelts 23A and 23B and likewise extends through an aperture in thesupporting plate 27. A bifurcated lug 44 attached to the underside ofthe plate supports an arcuate trigger arm 45 which engages a microswitch46 supported upon a cross angle brace 48 extending between member-s 20and 21. As will be appreciated from Figure 2, the switch 42 ispositioned between disc 35 and the leading end 11A of the conveyor,whereas disc 35 is positioned between switch 42 and the trailing end 11Bof the conveyor.

The tie removing mechanism generally designated 13 is supported upon aframe comprising a pair of uprights 49 and 50 supported upon members 21and 20 respectively and joined at the top by a beam 51. Positioned uponbeam 51 is a pair of columns or risers 52 and 53 immovably securedthereto and a pair of pillow blocks 54 and 55 each supporting a stubshaft 56 on which the tie removing mechanism 13 pivots. Supported forpivotal movement upon shafts 56 is a box frame 58 upon the top surfaceof which is supported a motor 60. iThe center bottom of the box frame 58is removed at 61 and portion-s of the sides thereof are reducedthroughout their vertical dimension as at 62 to form a pair of angleextensions 63 as shown best in Figures 1 and 3. Angle members 63 arejoined at their extending ends by a cross brace 64. The other end of thebox frame 58 is closed by an end plate 65. Attached to the bottom orhori- Zontal flanges of angle members 63 and extending longitudinallytherealong is a pair of convex surfaces 66 as shown best in Figures 2and 3.

A tie guide 63 is welded or otherwise secured to cross brace 64 and hasa shovel nose or point 69 positioned to engage the ties of an advancingbale B as shownbest in Figure 2. Shovel point 69 (as shown in Figure 7)is provided with a portion 70 of lesser incline and a portion 7?. ofgreater incline joined thereto. A groove 72 has an end terminating shortof the extreme end 73 of point 69 and extends upwardly throughout theextension of the guide as shown in Figures 2 and 7.

A pair of channel members 74 and 75 are inclined with respect to andwelded at one end to box frame 58 as shown in Figures 2, 5 and 6. Acover plate 76 is removably positioned upon their upper inclined flanges78 of members 74 and 75. A pair of bottom cover plates 79 and 80 aresecured to flanges 81 of members 74 and 75 respectively. Each one of thebottom plates 79 and 80 is provided with a roughly U-shaped section 82secured to the bottom of box frame 58; and the plates are spaced toprovide a central slot throughout their extension.

As shown in Figure 4, there is secured to each one of members 74 and 75a bearing block 83 which supports a shaft 84 to which is fixed a centralsprocket 85.

Around sprocket 85 is passed an endless chain 86, the other end of whichis passed around a second central sprocket 88, carried by a shaft 89journalled in bearing blocks 90 secured to angle members 63.

Shaft 84 is driven by an end sprocket 91 in turn driven by endless chain92 from motor 60 by sprocket 93, secured to the shaft thereof.

The chain 86 as shown best in Figure 5 is provided with a plurality ofspaced dogs 94 each having an inclined edge 95 as shown.

A pair of lugs 96 and 98 are secured to members 74 and 75 respectivelyand are provided with an extending rod 99 fixed thereto; to the ends ofwhich are attached counter springs 100; one of the springs 100 beingsecured to column 52 and the other of the springs 100 being secured tocolumn 53.

Positioned on the underside of each of the plates 79 and 80 is a tiedisengaging wedge 102 cooperating with dogs 94 as shown in Figures 8 and9 and spaced away from the end of the tie guide 68. a

The cross conveyor 14 is supported from members 20 and 21 by asupporting frame comprising two pairs of uprights 103 and 104, each pairjoined by a horizontal brace 105. A pair of cross members 106 and 107are supported thereon and are provided with bearing blocks 114 at eachend. One pair of bearing blocks 114 supports shaft 108 to which is fixedsprocket 109 driven by chain 110 from sprocket 111 in turn driven by theshaft of notor 112. A second shaft 113 is supported by the other pair ofbearing blocks 114. Shafts 108 and 113 are each provided with a pulley115 for the endless belt 116 of the cross conveyor 14.

Secured to member 1% is a pair of baffles 118 and 119 spaced so as toallow the extension of tie guide 68 therebetween. Tie guide 68movesarcuately between the spaced edges thereof.

Secured to member 107 and reinforced by braces 120 is an end bafiie 121having an overhanging portion 122.

A pair of side walls 123 are provided extending upwardly from members 21and respectively and each is provided at its leading edge with anout-turned portion 125 which serves to guide the bound bale B to theposition shown in Figures 2 and 4.

The motor 112 is positioned upon a shelf 126 supported by gusset braces123 from wall 123.

Secured to uprights 1%- is a rectangular frame 130 provided with aplurality of feelers 131, each of which is connected as shown in Figure10, to an electrical connection 132, alternate feelers 131 beingconnected to positive leads and intermediate feelers 131 being connectedto negative leads.

Pivotally secured at 142 to the exterior of each one of the anglemembers 63 is a somewhat triangular bracket 141 which is provided withan arcuate slot 143 in which is positioned a cap screw 144. Each bracket141 carried a height adjustment wheel 14%. Bracket 14-1 (controlling thepositioning of wheel 146) may be adjustably pivoted on pivot 1 12 withinthe limits of slot 143 and is maintained in adjusted position by capscrew 144 which is threaded into box member 58.

In some instances where metallic tie are being removed from bales, verystrong magnets 1 65 (as for eX- ample Alnico magnets) are positioned onsections 82 of plates '79 and 89 or other adjacent structure in positionto attract and lift the metallic tie from the bale surface before it isengaged by point I3 (shown in Figure 5).

In operation, my tie pulling machine is usually made completelyautomatic, the automatic operation being initiated by the actuation ofswitch 42. The bales of material designated B which are provided Withthe ties T1 to "i -5, usually of metal, will move from right to leftthrough the machine as viewed in Figures 1 and 2. The machine willreceive bound bales of various material, transport and hold the bales inposition while the ties are cut, remove the ties and eject the freedbales at the discharge end. To accomplish this, the upper run of theconveyor 11 is positioned to traverse the distance from the leading end11A of the conveyor to the trailing end 1113 and thus move the baleleftwardly with reference to Figure l or through the machine. As thebales so move, the guide edges 125 will serve to guide the bale betweenthe walls 123 and consequently in engagement with the cutting disc 35.

The bales are placed upon the conveyor 11 in the position shown inFigure 1, usually by a forklift truck which moves the bale into positionand drops it onto the conveyor from either side of the conveyor,although the bale may otherwise be deposited as desired. The forks ofthe truck are advanced into position over the conveyor and supportingthe bale, then lowered until they reach cngagement with the bar 17A andare positioned between the posts 17. The forks are then withdrawn fromunderneath the bale B, the bale B will be engaged by the end posts 1'7-and drop from the forks onto the conveyor 11 to the position shown inFigure 1.

As shown in Figure 2, such positioning of the bale upon the. leading end11A of the conveyor will depress the trigger 45 of starting switch 42from the full to the dotted line position, thus actuating microswitch46. Switch 4-6 is connected to a time delay relay which is set so thatthe forklift truck operator is given sufficient time to completelywithdraw his forks before the conveyor 11 goes into operation. In thismanner, the time delay relay serves to prevent premature operation ofthe machine. The time delay relay may be preset to any desired time,usually 5 to 25 seconds and after this preset time through theappropriate electric circuits, motors 34, 41, 6t} and 112 are energized.

Energization of motor 34 drives the endless conveyor 11 through chain31, the upper run of the conveyor will move from right to left withreference to Figures 1 and 2, and the bale will be moved through themachine accordingly.

Energization of motor 41 drives the cutting disc 35 through chain 3?. Ashas been explained previously, in this instance, the cutting disc is anabrasive or metal disc without teeth. However, in certain modifications,teeth may be provided as desired. The function of the disc 35 will be tocut or sever the ties or bands T-l to T-S, on the bottom side of thebale B, as it passes thereover.

Energization of motor 6%) drives the pulling head or tie removingmechanism 13 through chain 92. The function of this mechanism is toengage and remove the tie from the bale partially curling it, anddeposit it on the ross conveyor 14.

Energization of motor 112 drives the cross or disposal conveyor 14. Areversible motor or connection is usually provided so that the conveyormay be moved from left to right or from right to left with reference toFigure 4 so that the ties may be ejected from either side of themachine. I

As a bale advances, a tie immediately after being severed by disc 35 isengaged by the height guide wheels 1411 which ride on the top side ofthe bale thereby set ting the height of the puller head 13 anddetermining the engagement of shovel nose 69 with the bale. The heightguide wheels 1140, as previously explained, are adjustable upwardly anddownwardly, and may be adjusted laterally to provide various depths ofpenetration of shovel nose 69 in order to remove the ties from variousbale-cl materials. The weight of the tie puller head 13 is otherwisesupported by the counterbalancing springs which serve to extend andcontract to allow the head to pivot about its pivot 56.

The shovel nose 6% plows slightly beneath the surface of and into thematerial of the bale as shown in Figure 2 and catches or engages eachone of the severed ties as the bale is moved along the conveyor. This isshown for tie T2 in Figure 5. As the tie is engaged, it is lifted andheld by the shovel nose until the tie is hooked by an advancing dog, asdog 94 shown in Figure 9, which dog is travelling in the direction ofthe arrow shown in that figure. The plurality of dogs as shown in thatfigure are provided on a continuous chain at approximately 8-inchintervals. The chain travels in the same direction as the travel of thebale but considerably faster. The dog 94 catches the tie after it hasbeen hooked by shovel nose 69 and then pulls the wire along the tieguide 68. The tie cannot become disengaged from the dog 34 since it isheld between the upper surface of the tie guide 68 and the bottom platesor surfaces 79 and 80.

To state this another way, as the dog 94 engages the tie, it pulls itupwardly in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 5. The dog ridesin the groove 72, of tie guide hi5, throughout the length thereof andthe tie progresses successively therealong as shown by the positions ofties T-3 and T2 in Figure 2. In this figure, the progression of the tiethrough the machine is shown by the various positions of ties T-S, T-4,T-3, T-2 and T-l Thus, a tie will approach the cutter 35, as shown theposition of tie T5, pass thereover and be severed, 'as shown for tie T4,whereupon it will loosen slightly on the bale because of the compressionof the material of the bale. The tie will then be engaged by the shovelpoint 69 and dog 94, as shown for the tie TZ in Figure 5, will then passto the position shown for tie T3 in Figure 2, and thence to the positionshown for tie T2 in Figure 2, and thereafter be stripped from the dog 91and drop as shown for tie T1 in Figure 2 onto the cross or disposalconveyor 14.

On the bottom side of each of the angle members 63 are the two convexelements 66. Each tie is pulled around the elements 66 as shown inFigure 8 until free of the bale and by this time the dog carrying thetie has advanced so that the tie will engage the disengaging wedges 102at the top of the head 13. in this manner, as the tie progresses fromthe position of tie T4 to that of T3 to that of T2 in Figure 2, it willbe drawn around the convex member 66 and into the position shown inFigure 8. After the tie has progressed along the tie guide 68 and dog94, it will be drawn over the inclined surfaces of wedges 102 as shownin Figure 9. The inclined wedges will then strip the ties from the dog94 (Figure 9) and it will fall to the position shown for tie T-1 inFigure 2 and thence be received on the cross conveyor. The baffles 118,119 and 121 insure such reception and prevent the stripped ties fromfalling back into the loosened material of the bale.

If desired, means may be provided for then automatically stopping themovement of the machine.

The series of fingers 131 disposed around the discharge throat of themachine are so connected to a suitable electric circuit embodying analarm that if any two fingers come in contact with a metal tie or othermetal in the bale, the machine is automatically stopped and an indicatoractivates. This precaution is provided to eliminate the possibility ofsome of the tie wires or hands being missed and remaining in thematerial as it is unbaled.

The feature is of course utilizable with ties composed of conductivemetal. However, where the bales being processed include cord or otherties, another type of tie removal indicator may be provided.

In removing ties from bales containing rags and burlap, etc., it is notdesirable to allow the shovel nose 69 to plow beneath the surface of thebale as shown in Figures 2 and since it would catch and drag thematerial with it. This phenomenon is not present with fibrous material.In removing the ties from bales of the former type, the very strongmagnets, usually Alnico magnets 145, attract the tie or band away fromthe surface of the bale after the tie has been cut and then end 73 ofnose 69 is free to catch the wire without engaging the burlap, rag orother surface of the bale.

In this instance the wheels 141) are adjusted to support the tie removalmechanism 13 on the top of the bale so that shovel nose 69 barely grazesthe top of the bale and does not appreciably plow beneath the surface.

Reference may now be had to the circuit shown in Figure 11 for furtherunderstanding of the operation of my invention. In Figure 11, there isshown a schematic wiring diagram illustrating one form of circuitry forthe operation of the various motors, etc. Thus, as shown, motors 34, 41,60 and 112 are each connected by delivery lines B to supply lines A of athree phase electrical source. Each of the delivery lines B is normallydisconnected to its corresponding supply line A, but may be connectedthereto for the delivery of current to the motor by appropriate contacts150 for motor 34, 151 for motor 41, 152 for motor 66, and 153 for motor112.

A control circuitry is provided in which lines L1 and L2 are the powerlines to any convenient source of current. One of the lines, in thiscase L1, is provided with a master switch 154 which serves to interruptthe flow of current to the entire circuit when in its normally openposition.

When master switch 154 is closed, a circuit will be conditioned forestablishment through line L1, juncture 155 via line 156 to normallyclosed contacts 158, through line 159 to juncture 160 and via line 161to normally open contacts 162, and thence via line 163 to normallyclosed contacts 164 and thence via line 165 through relays 166, 168, 169and 170 to juncture 171 of line L2.

At the same time, a circuit is conditioned from juncture 160 via line172 to normally open contacts 173 via line 174 through relay 175 andline 176 to juncture 178 on line L2. A shunt circuit is likewiseconditioned via line 179 through relay 180 and thence via line 176 tojuncture 178 on line L2.

At the same time, a circuit is conditioned for establishment fromjuncture 181 through hell 182 via line 183 to normally open contacts 184and via line 185 to juncture 186 on line L2.

Simultaneously, a circuit is established from juncture 181 through line188, the primary of a transformer 189 via line 194! to juncture 191 online L2. The supply of current to the primary of transformer 189conditions at that time for establishment of a circuit from thesecondary of the transformer and thence via line 192 and 193 toalternate fingers 131. Thus, at this time, if communication isestablished between alternate members of fingers 131 by a metallicobject, such as an unremoved bale tie wire, the relay 194 will beenergized, closing the normally opened contacts 134 thus ringing thebell 182, and at the same time opening the normally closed contacts 158and thus breaking any circuit to the relays 166, 163, 169 and 176 to themotors 34, 41, 60 and 112 respectively, if such circuit has beenestablished. Since such circuit has not been so established at thistime, the opening of normally closed contacts 158 will have no effect.

To start the machine, the start switch 46 is pushed closing normallyopen contacts 173 and establishing a circuit through relay 175 whichcloses the normally open contacts 162 energizing relays 166, 168, 169and 170 and motors 34, 41, 60 and 112 will commence to operate, and themachine will function as previously explained.

The relay 175 is a time delay relay normally operative after a pre-settime, as previously explained, so that the operator of the forklifttruck has sufiicient time to withdraw the forks from under the baleafter depositing the same upon the conveyor.

At the same time the shunt circuit to relay 180 is completed and relay186 is energized. This relay is likewise a time delay relay, operatingto open the normally closed contacts 164 and thus interruting anycircuit to the relays 166, 168, 169 and 171) and de-energizing motors34, 41, 6t) and 112. However, the relay 130 is a time delay relay havinga time lag somewhat longer than that of relay 175, and is pre-set sothat the motors will be de-energized only after a bale has progressedthrough the machine and had its ties stripped therefrom. Thus, relay 136will halt the action of the machine after one cycle of operation duringwhich a bale has passed therethrough.

While this machine has been explained principally with reference torectangular parallelpiped bales having ties around the lateral peripherythereof, it is of course to be understood that other shaped bales may beused with ties positioned in other directions. Thus, cylindrical baleshaving ties around the circumference, rectangular parallelepiped baleshaving ties around the longitudinal periphery, etc., may be used withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of this invention.

It will of course be appreciated that the apparatus herein described isdesigned to be used as a unit by itself, i. e., where the forklift truckor some other conveying means places the bale on the conveyor and thebale then proceeds through the apparatus for the removal of the ties, orthe apparatus may be used in a conveying system wherein it is anintegral part of the conveying system.

As many widely differing embodiments of this inventionmay be providedwithout departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to beunderstood that I do not specifically limit myself to the embodimentdisclosed herein.

What I claim is:

1. In a tie cutting and removing machine, a frame, a cutter supportedthereon, means for propelling a tie which is to be severed from apackage into engagement with said cutter for severing said tie from saidpackage, means for removing the severed tie from the package, said meansfor propelling said tie comprising an endless conveyor means supportedon said frame having a horizontal upper run on which said package issupported, said cutter comprising a rotary member journalled to saidframe and in cooperation with said upper run whereby a package thereonwill be carried thereby and into communication with said cutter, and forsevering the tie as said package is carried thereby, means for removingthe severed tie supported on said frame and comprising a first memberpositioned to engage the severed tie, a second member cooperating withsaid first member for pulling the tie from the package, means forremoving said tie from said second member, and a switch embodied in saidconveyor provided for initiating the operation of said conveyor, cutterand means for removing the severed tie as said package is initiallypositioned on said conveyor.

2; The apparatus of claim 1 further characterized by an indicator meansfor indicating the presence of an unremoved tie.

3. The sub-combination comprising means for engaging the surface of atranslated bale having a severed tie disposed at an angle to thedirection of translation, said means for engaging said surfacesupporting a tie removal mechanism for determining the engagementthereof with said tie, said removal mechanism including point meansadapted to engage between the tie and the bale and to initially distendthe tie, cooperative means for engaging said tie and removing it fromsaid bale, and said point means including an extending surface inclinedwith reference to the direction of translation of the bale, and saidcooperative means comprising an endless member parallel to saidextending surface and having a plurality of spaced catches for engagingsaid tie and traversing it over said extending surface.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized by stripping meanspositioned adjacent the extending end of said endless member forremoving said tie therefrom.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that said endlessmember extends beyond the end of said extending surface, and strippingmeans positioned adjacent the extending end of said endless member forremoving said tie therefrom.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that said inclinedextending surface is provided with a groove and said catches arepositioned to travel therethrough.

7. An apparatus for removing loop ties from bales comprising, a conveyormeans, a cutting means to which said bales are moved by said conveyorfor severing said ties, a tie removal. means positioned forengaging andremovingthesevered tie including a point means positioned to engage saidtie at a point on said loop spaced with reference. tothe point ofseverance, adjustable means for'd'etermining the engagementof said pointmeans with said ties and means for removal of said ties from said balesafter engagement by said point means.

8. A. bale tie puller comprising in combination a conveying means forpropelling a tie which is to be severed from a bale into engagement witha cutter, said cutter being positioned in cooperation with said conveyorfor severing said tic, means for removing said severed tie comprising atie engaging member adapted to penetrate between said tie and said baleas it is conveyed by said conveyor for initially distending said tie, anendless conveyor having a plurality of catch means at spaced inter--vals therearound positioned for cooperation with saidengagement meanswhereby when said engagement means has engaged said tie, one of saidcatch means on said endless conveyor will pull said tie from said bale.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 further characterized by said engagementmeans having a surface inclined with respect to the direction of travelof said bale havingagroove therein and said catch means are positionedfor 12. The apparatus of claim 11 further characterized} by baffle meansguiding said ties to said second conveyor. 13. The apparatus of claim 8further characterized by adjustable height guide wheels supporting saidremoving mechanism on said bale as it is moved by said conveyor.

14. The apparatus of claim 8 further characterized by magnetic meanspositioned to exert a magnetic attraction on said tie before theengagement thereof.

15. The apparatus of claim 8 further characterized by a plurality ofspring contact fingers positioned to engage the cross sectionalperiphery of the bale as it is moved by said conveyor, said fingersbeing alternately positively and negatively charged and leading to analarm to indicate the presence of unremoved metallic ties.

16. An apparatus for severing and removing ties from bales comprising incombination, a supporting frame, an endless belt conveyor supportedthereby and having an upper run travelling in a given direction, arotary disc positioned so that as bales are traversed over said upperrun of said conveyor the disc will sever the ties thereof at the bottomof the bale, a tie removal means posi tioned on said frame and over saidconveyor, said removal means comprising a tie engaging means anda tiepulling means pivotally supported on said frame and normally suspendedby tension members, wheels adapted to engage the upper surface of balespassed thereunder for supporting said tie removal means on the tops ofsaid bales, shovel nose means adapted to engage severed ties and anendless puller member having a plurality of tie engaging members forcooperating with said shovel nose and pulling said ties from said bales,stripper means positioned in cooperation with said puller member forremoving the ties therefrom.

17. An apparatus for severing and removing ties from bales comprising incombination, a. supporting frame, a first endless belt conveyorsupported thereby and having an upper run travelling in a givendirection, a rotarydisc positioned so that as bales are traversed oversaid upper run of said conveyor the disc will sever the ties thereof atthe bottom of the bale, a tie removal means positioned on said frame andover said conveyor, said removal means comprising a tie engaging meansand a tie pulling means pivotally supported on said frame and normallysuspended by tension members, wheels adapted to engage the upper surfaceof bales passed thereunder for supporting said tie removal means on thetops of said bales, shovel nose means adapted to engage severed tics andan endless puller member having a plurality of tie engaging members forcooperating with said shovel nose and pulling said ties from said bales,stripper means positioned in cooperation with said puller member forremoving the ties therefrom, and magnetic means positioned adjacent saidpuller means for elevating said ties from engagement with said bales.

18. An apparatus for severing and removing ties from bales comprising incombination, a supporting frame, a first endless belt conveyor supportedthereby and having an upper run travelling in a given direction, guidemeans supported by said frame for controlling the position of the balesduring their movement along said upper run, a time delay switchassociated with the conveyor and positioned to be engaged by bales asthey are positioned upon the upper run of said conveyor for controllingthe operation of the apparatus, a rotary disc positioned so that asbales are traversed over said upper run of said conveyor the disc willsever the ties thereof at the bottom of the bale, a tie removal meanspositioned on said frame and over said conveyor, said removal meanscomprising a tie engaging means and a tie pulling means pivotallysupported on said frame and normally suspended by tension members,wheels adapted to engage the upper surface of bales passed thereunderfor supporting said tie removal means on the tops of said bales, shovelnose means adapted to engage severed ties and an endless puller memberhaving a plurality of tie engaging members for cooperating with saidshovel nose and pulling said ties from said bales, stripper meanspositioned in cooperation with said puller member for removing the tiestherefrom, a disposal conveyor having an upper run travelling at anangle to the direction of travel of said first conveyor, and bafflemeans for guiding said tie onto said disposal conveyor.

19. An apparatus for severing and removing ties from bales comprising'incombination, a supporting frame, a first endless belt conveyor supportedthereby and having an upper run travelling in a given direction, guidemeans for controlling the position of the bales during their movementalong said upper run, a time relay switch positioned to be engaged bybales as they are positioned upon the upper run of said conveyor forcontrolling the operation of the apparatus, a rotary disc positioned sothat as bales are traversed over said upper run of said conveyor thedisc will sever the ties thereof at the bottom of the bale, a tieremoval means positioned on said frame and over said conveyor, saidremoval means comprising a tie engaging means and a tie pulling meanspivotally supported on said frame and normally suspended by tensionmembers, wheels adapted to engage the upper surface of bales passedthereunder for supporting said tie removal means on the tops of saidbales, shovel nose means adapted to engage several ties and an endlesspuller member having a plurality of tie engaging members for cooperatingwith said shovel nose and pulling said ties from said bales, strippermeans positioned in cooperation with said puller member for removing theties therefrom, a disposal conveyor having an upper run travelling at anangle to the direction of travel of said first conveyor, baffie meansfor guiding said tie onto said disposal conveyor, a plurality ofelectrical contact members positioned to engage the periphery of thebale transverse to the direction of movement of the bale, said membersbeing connected to an alarm device for operation thereof whenever acircuit between two of said members is completed, and magnetic meanspositioned adjacent said puller means for elevating said ties fromengagement with said bales.

20. A machine for severing and removing band ties from packagesincluding a frame, an endless belt conveyor supported by said framehaving a horizontally extending upper run upon which a package fromwhich a band tie is to be severed may be positioned and transportedthereby, a cutter journalled for rotation to said 12 frame andpositioned with respect to said upper run so that the packages supportedthereupon will be transported thereby and into communication therewithfor severing ties thereon, means for removing the severed tie supportedby said frame for engagement with said severed tie at a pointsubstantially opposite the point of severance thereof including pointmeans adapted to engage beneath the tie and the package and to initiallydistend the tie, said point means being supported by means for engagingthe surface of the package for determining the engagement of said pointmeans with said tie and hook means supported by said engagement meansand movable from a first position remote in respect to said severed tieto a second position for engaging said severed tie for removing thesame.

21. An apparatus for severing and removing ties from bales comprising incombination, a supporting frame, a first endless belt conveyor supportedthereby and having an upper run travelling in a given direction, guidemeans for controlling the position of the bales during their movementalong said upper run, a time delay switch supported by said framepositioned to be engaged by bales as they are positioned upon the upperrun of the conveyor for controlling the operation of the apparatus, arotary disc supported by said frame positioned so that as bales aretraversed over said upper run of said conveyor the disc will sever theties thereof at the bottom of the bale, a tie removal means positionedon said frame and over said conveyor, said tie removal means comprisinga tie engaging means and a tie pulling means and pivotally supported onsaid frame and normally suspended by tension members therefrom, wheelsthereon adapted to engage the upper surface of bales passed thereunderfor supporting said tie removal means on the tops of said bales, shovelnose means as a part of said tie removal means and adapted to engagesevered ties, an endless puller member as a part of said tie removalmeans and having a plurality of tie engaging members for cooperatingwith said shovel nose and pulling said ties from said bales, strippermeans as a part of said tie removal means positioned in cooperation withsaid puller member for removing the ties therefrom, a disposal conveyorsupported by said framehaving an upper run travelling at an angle to thedirection of travel of said first conveyor, battle means connected tosaid frame for guiding said tie onto said disposal conveyor, a pluralityof electrical contact members aifixed to said frame and positioned toengage the periphery of the bale transverse to the direction of movementof the bale, said members being connected to an alarm device foroperation thereof whenever a circuit between two of said members iscompleted, and magnetic means as a part of said tie removal meanspositioned adjacent said puller means for elevating said ties fromengagement with said bales.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Mar.18, 1952 U. S; DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OFCORRECTION Patent No o 2,820,282 January 21, 1958 Edmund C Schneider,Jr,

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specificationof the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the saidLetters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 1, line 23, for "a flax" read as flax===; after "described"insert a comma; column 1 read m a time delay; line 44, for "seve column2, line 39, 1, line 31, for "a time relay" rel" read severedo Signed andsealed this 15th day of April 1958,

(SEAL) Attest: KARL H, AXLINE ROBERT C. WATSON Attesting OfficerComnissioner of Patents

